Vailima and Fruit Bats

(above: tired and sweaty volunteers)
February 23, 2007

After a 6,000 mile journey (including almost missing our flight out of SeaTac, a lost luggage scare, and a delay at the gate in Honolulu because a paper bag was stuck in the engine!) , 23 hours after we started the day, we finally arrived in Pago Pago (pronounced 'pango pango'), American Samoa! So far there are 14 Vet Ventures volunteers staying at "Sadie's By The Sea"... The humidity is thick and the temperature is in the 80's. We have our own private lagoon, with a pool and outdoor cafe and resident cats (most of whom were patients of the 2006 Vet Ventures mission). This morning, we had a quick orientation meeting, then started setting up our hospital hut- unpacking 42 Rubbermaid bins of medical supplies until we had to stop and cool off by the pool with Vailima (the local beer). The ocean feels like bathwater and, now, as the sun is setting, there are giant fruit bats flying above. We have the weekend to play, and start work on Monday morning. There are plenty of cats and dogs here to fix! We go to bed having learned one very important lesson from 'Doc' our waiter.. "Not all Pina Coladas come with Rum" (you have to request it!)

(right) Julie & Becky unwinding with Vailima